and professors; and for every purpose ministers asked for a vote, not
annual, of L30,000. Sir Robert Peel further stated, that it was proposed
the board of works should undertake the repairs of the college, as they
did of the other public buildings, in order that they might be conducted
with the greatest economy; and that the expenses of the repairs should
be an annual vote, included in the annual estimates for the board
of works, as in other cases. Instead of the present _ex-officio_
ministers--the lord-chancellor and the judges--it was further proposed
that the crown should appoint five visitors, who were to visit the
college once a year, and as often as the lord-lieutenant might direct.
These visitors were not to interfere with any matters relating to the
doctrine and discipline of the church of Rome; but for those objects
three more visitors would be elected by the other five, as at present
to be members of the Roman Catholic church. Such, Sir Robert Peel
continued, was an outline of the measure. It had not been the subject of
any stipulation with the authorities of the Roman Catholic church: but
the ministers had intimated their intentions to these dignitaries; and
they had every reason to believe they were satisfied with, and grateful
for, the measure. He added, in conclusion:--"We do not think that there
is any violation of conscientious scruples involved in our proposition.
We believe that it is perfectly compatible to hold steadfast the
profession of our faith without wavering, and at the same time to
improve the education, and to elevate the character of those who, do
what you will--pass this measure or refuse it--must be the spiritual
guides and religious instructors of millions of your fellow-countrymen."
Sir Robert Inglis met the motion for leave to bring in this bill by a
direct negative. Messrs. Law, Bruce, Grogan, and others, followed with
similar expressions of sentiment. Mr. Plumptre especially expressed
in strong terms his repugnance to the proposal on religious grounds;
avowing, as the basis of his objections, the belief that the Roman
Catholic religion was idolatrous. On the side of the liberal, all were
in favour of the motion, except Mr. T. Duncombe, who expressed himself
averse to all religious establishments supported out of the public
revenue. Some on the conservative side, as Lords Francis Egerton and
Sandon, and Mr. J. S. Wortley, spoke in favour of the measure. Several
of the Irish members an